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Hey! What's the Time?

This album was recorded and released before our beloved band leader/composer/arranger Stu Buchanan passed away. This album is a selection of Buchanan's original compositions and arrangements and performed by the Garden City Big Band and Buchanan himself.

ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

This album is Stu Buchanan's final album as he passed away in June, 2014. He was still actively performing in public but he became unwell after he recorded this album.

This is an album of original Jazz Music of Stu Buchanan, the former Music Director of the Garden City Big Band. This album was recorded in 2013 at CPIT Jazz School in Christchurch NZ, played by the Garden City Big Band and Buchanan himself.

If you like music of 'Swing era', you will most likely to enjoy this Album. This album is in the format of a concert where the leader gives a short description of the pieces before the band performs. You will be able to hear an insight into Stu's compositions by listening to his introductions.

[Album Reveiws by NZ Musician]"Charming, sophisticated, goes well with a martini – this is the James Bond of albums. Let’s address each of those points in order. It’s charming because each tune is introduced by Stu Buchanan himself, as if he’s yarning to you in his lounge. He mentions the Christchurch earthquakes, and I think it proves that music is good therapy. Stu, who was awarded an MNZM for his contribution to jazz and musical education over a decade ago, is in his 80s and still playing. He composed and arranged the tunes on this album, and until fairly recently was musical director of the Garden City Big Band, a role he filled for 15 years. I’m assuming that the rest of the band can’t quite claim the same amount of experience as Stu, but you wouldn’t know from listening. This is where the sophisticated part comes in: the band sounds well-practised and disciplined but enthusiastic. There are some very slick solos in between the tight brass arrangements. Now it’s up to you to take care of the last part: pour two parts of gin (or vodka) etc., preferably on a Sunday afternoon, and let this album relax the heck out of you. " - By Bing Turkby NZ Musician Album Reviews